Control panel assembly for home appliances and method for manufacturing the same

ABSTRACT

A control panel assembly for home appliances devised for a better external appearance and more stable operation is disclosed. The control panel assembly includes a substrate ( 40 ) provided with at lest one switch( 42 ) for operating home appliance and at least one display element( 43 ) for displaying the operation state, an external film( 60 ) configured to make it possible for an user to access to the switch( 42 ) and the display element( 43 ), and a control panel( 30 ) allowing the substrate  40  to be installed therein, the control panel( 30 ) injection-molded to be inserted in the external film( 60 ) and integrated with the external film( 60 )

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present invention relates to home appliances, and moreparticularly, to a control panel assembly for operating the homeappliances and displaying an operation state thereof.

BACKGROUND ART

[0002]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective disassembled view of a relatedart control panel assembly of a home appliance, in which a control panel1 forms an outside shape of the control panel assembly. The controlpanel 1 may form one side of the home appliance. The control panel 1 isprovided with a plurality of pass through holes 3 and resilient buttons5 formed therein. The pass through holes 3 are parts for passing lightsof LEDs to display operation states of the home appliance, and theresilient buttons 5 are parts for receiving signals for operating thehome appliance from the user as a user presses the buttons 5.

[0003] The resilient buttons 5 connected to the control panel 1 with aplurality of legs 6, for returning to an original position after thebutton 5 is pressed owing to resiliency of the leg 6. The resilientbutton 5 has a lengthy extension to an inside of the control panel 1,for on/off a switch 8 fitted to a substrate 7 to be explained, later.

[0004] The substrate 7 is fitted to an inside of the control panel 1.The substrate 7 has the switch 8 for receiving signals for operating thehome appliance, components, such as LED for displaying operation statesof the home appliance, and supporters 9 for supporting the LED andguiding lights. There are components other than above. The switch 8 isfitted at a position opposite to the resilient button 5, and the LED isfitted to a position opposite to the pass through hole 3.

[0005] Next, there is a window panel 10 welded to a surface of thecontrol panel 1. The window panel 10 has pass through holes 12 inpositions opposite to the resilient buttons 5 and the pass through holes3 in the control panel 1. The pass through holes 12 opposite to theresilient buttons 5 are for permitting the user to press down theresilient buttons 5, and the pass through holes 12 opposite to the passthrough holes 3 are for permitting the lights of the LEDs presented tooutside.

[0006] In the meantime, there is a window film 15 fitted to a surface ofthe window panel 10. The window film 15 fitted to the window panel 10prevents infiltration of foreign matters and moist into an inner part.There are buttons 17 projected from positions opposite to the resilientbuttons, and indicating parts 18 at positions opposite to the passthrough holes 12 for indicating operation states of the home appliances.There are characters, or graphics on the buttons 17 and the indicatingparts 18 for indicating functions or operations, or the like.

[0007] In the foregoing related art control panel assembly for homeappliances, the window film 15 is fitted to the window panel 10, and thewindow panel 10 with the window film 15 fitted thereto is welded to thecontrol panel 1. The substrate 7 is seated on an inside of the controlpanel 1.

[0008] Once the control panel assembly is assembled thus, the buttons 17on the window film 15 are located opposite to the resilient buttons 5 ofthe control panel 1 through the pass through holes 12, such that whenthe buttons 17 are pressed, the resilient buttons 5 are pressed, tooperate the switch 8 on the substrate 7.

[0009] The lights from the LEDs on the substrate 7 are transmittedthrough the pass through holes 12 opposite to the indicating parts 18 onthe window film 15 and the pass through holes 3 in the control panel 1.The lights from the LED are guided by the supporters 9. Once the lightsfrom the LEDs illuminate the window film 15 thus, operation states ofthe home appliances are indicated in association with the indicatingpart 18.

[0010] However, the foregoing related art control panel assembly has thefollowing problems.

[0011] First, the related art control panel assembly, provided with thecontrol panel 1, the substrate 7, the window panel 10, and the windowfilm 15, has relatively many number of components, to require individualfabrication of the components, that increases a production cost, andcauses assembly work of the components poor.

[0012] Moreover, the foregoing related art control panel assembly has aplurality of the supporters 9 separated from one another for supportingthe LEDs and guiding the lights thereof. The plurality of supporters 9are provided for smooth interaction between the switches 8 each fittedbetween the LEDs and the resilient buttons 5 on the control panel 1.

[0013] However, this configuration fails to provide a robust fittingstate of the supporters 9, because the supporters 9 can not but be fixedto a level at which lower parts of the supporters 9 are inserted in thesubstrate 7 respectively, and held by one urethane coating. Thisconstruction can not transmit the lights of the LEDS guided by thesupporters 9 to the indicating parts 18, accurately.

[0014] In addition to this, since the resilient buttons 5 are on thecontrol panel 1, operation of the switches 8 by the resilient buttons 5may not be made exactly if the assembly between the control panel 1 andthe substrate 7 are accurate.

[0015] In the meantime, one of resilient buttons 5 on the control panel1 provided adjacent to one another may be pressed by mistake on theoccasion of pressing adjacent one, to cause a problem that adjacentswitches 8 are pressed on the same time.

[0016] Since the window film 15 is fitted to cover the window panel 10only, there is a danger of water infiltration into an inner part througha gap between the control panel 1 and the window panel 10, the controlpanel 1 looks not elegant since the control panel 1 has one part thewindow film 15 is fitted thereto and the other part the window film 15is not fitted thereto, and which further causes a problem of adifference of discoloration between the part the window film 15 isfitted thereto and the other part the window film 15 is not fittedthereto when the control panel 1 is used for a long time.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

[0017] Accordingly, an object of the present invention designed forsolving the foregoing problem is to provide a control panel assembly ofa simple construction.

[0018] Another object of the present invention is to provide a controlpanel assembly having improved outside look.

[0019] Further object of the present invention is to provide a controlpanel assembly which permits no infiltration of foreign matters into aninner part thereof.

[0020] Still further object of the present invention is to provide acontrol panel assembly which shows no discoloration even if the controlpanel assembly is used for a long time period.

[0021] The object of the present invention can be achieved by providinga control panel assembly for home appliances including a substrate forfitting switches and indicators for operating at least one or more thanone home appliance and indicating operating states of the home appliancerespectively, an outside film formed such that a user can access to theswitches and the indicators, and a control panel injection molded so tobe inserted in, and unitized with, the outside film having a substratefitted to an inside thereof.

[0022] Preferably, the control panel assembly further includes anintermediate frame for connecting the outside film to theswitches/indicators such that the outside film interacts with theswitches/indicators.

[0023] The intermediate frame includes at least one intermediate buttonfor driving the switch, and at least one supporter for supporting theindicators and guiding indication of the indicators.

[0024] The intermediate frame further includes reinforcing ribs formedbetween adjacent intermediate buttons.

[0025] In another aspect of the present invention, there is provided amethod for fabricating a control panel assembly for home appliances,including the steps of (a) forming an outside film such that a user canput the home appliance into operation and know an operation state, (b)injection molding resin in the outside film, to form the control panelas one unit with the outside film, and (c) fitting the control panelunitized with the outside film to a substrate, such that the outsidefilm can interact with the switches and the buttons fitted on thesubstrate.

[0026] The step (a) includes the steps of (aa) printing graphics orcharacters on a raw film for indicating operations and operation states,and (ab) forming the printed film to be in conformity with apredetermined outside form by heat.

[0027] The step (ab) includes the steps of placing the printed film in amold having a forming surface of a required form, applying heat andpressure to the film such that the film is brought into close contactwith the forming surface, maintaining a pressure in the mold for a timeperiod for forming the film to a form opposite to the forming surface,and separating the formed film from the mold.

[0028] The step (b) includes the steps of (ba) placing the formed filmin a first mold having recesses opposite to a form of a front surface ofthe formed film, (bb) coupling a second mold opposite to the first moldwith the first mold having the film placed therein, to form a formingcavity between the first mold and the second mold, (bc) injecting resininto the forming cavity, and (bd) removing a control panel from themold, the control panel being formed as the resin is set as one unitwith the film.

[0029] Thus, the present invention can improve quality of an outsidelook of the control panel, prevent infiltration of foreign matters intothe control panel assembly, and permits an easy assembly of the controlpanel assembly.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0030] The characters and advantages of the present invention can bebetter understood with reference to the attached drawing, together withthe detailed description of the present invention.

[0031] In the drawings:

[0032]FIG. 1 illustrates a perspective disassembled view of a relatedart control panel assembly for home appliances;

[0033]FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective disassembled view of a controlpanel assembly for home appliances in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

[0034]FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of a bottom of anintermediate frame of a control panel assembly in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention;

[0035] FIGS. 4A-4D illustrate perspective views showing the steps of amethod for fabricating an outside film in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention;

[0036]FIGS. 5A5D illustrate perspective views showing the steps of amethod for thermal formation of an outside film in accordance with apreferred embodiment of the present invention; and

[0037] FIGS. 6A-6D illustrate perspective views showing the steps of amethod for fabricating a control panel in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0038] A control panel assembly for home appliances in accordance withpreferred embodiments of the present invention will be explained withreference to the attached drawings.

[0039]FIG. 2 illustrates a perspective disassembled view of a controlpanel assembly for home appliances in accordance with a preferredembodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 3 illustrates aperspective view of a bottom of an intermediate frame of a control panelassembly in accordance with a preferred embodiment of the presentinvention.

[0040] Though the control panel of the present invention is applicableto all kinds of home appliances, the following embodiment explainsapplication to a washing machine.

[0041] As shown, the control panel of the present invention includes acontrol panel 30, a substrate 40 fitted to the control panel 30, and anoutside film 60 fitted to a front surface of the control panel 30.

[0042] Referring to FIG. 2, the control panel 30 forms an outside shapeof a control panel assembly. The control panel 30 is injection molded soto be inserted in the outside film. That is, the control panel 30 isformed as a unit with the outside film 60. Thus, since the control panel30 and the outside film 60 are unitized actually, a number of componentsto be assembled in a fabrication process are reduced relatively, and adesign uniformity of the control panel 30 can be maintained. Moreover,since the outside film 60 protects the control panel 30, an injectionmolded product, from discoloration.

[0043] The control panel 30 has at least one button pass through holes32, at positions opposite to switches 42 on the substrate 40 to beexplained later. Along with this, at least one indicating pass throughholes 34 are formed in the control panel 30, at positions opposite toindicators 43 on the substrate 40. The control panel 30 is formed of atransparent, or semitransparent material for improvement of an outsidelook, preferably of ABS (Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene).

[0044] The substrate 40 forms a bottom of the control panel assembly ofthe present invention, and supports various components fitted in theassembly. The switches 42, components for operation of the homeappliances and indicators 43, components for indicating operation statesof the home appliances are fitted on the substrate 40. The switches 42provide signals required for operation of the home appliances, and theindicators 43 may be LEDs (Light Emitting Diode), LCD (Liquid CrystalDisplay), or the like.

[0045] Especially, when the control panel assembly of the presentinvention is applied to a washing machine, water proofing is moreimportant than anything else. Therefore, it is preferable that a waterproof layer is formed on the substrate 40 for preventing the switches 42and the indicators 43 from coming into contact with water. The waterproof layer is in general formed of urethane, mostly.

[0046] As explained, the outside film 60 is unitized with the controlpanel 30, basically. The outside film 60 covers all the front surface 30a for improvement of an outer look and prevention of discoloration ofthe front panel 30. Preferably, the outside film 60 has a continuoussurface having no holes for prevention of infiltration of water andother foreign matters into the substrate 40.

[0047] The outside film 60 is formed such that a user can access to theswitches 42 and the indicators 43, i.e., the user can operate theswitches 42 or can obtain information from the indicators 43. For this,the outside film 60 includes buttons 62 formed opposite to the switches42 and indicator windows 64 formed opposite to the indicators 43. Inthis instance, the buttons 62 are projected from a surface of theoutside film 60 opposite to the switches 42 so as to put the switches 42into operation when the user presses the buttons 62. The indicatorwindows 64 have the lights from the indicators 43 provided theretothrough the indicating pass through holes 34. If the control panel 30 isformed of transparent, or semi-transparent material, the lights from theindicators 43 can be provided to the indicator windows 43 directly evenif there are no indicating pass through holes 34.

[0048] The outside film 60, particularly the buttons 62 and theindicator windows 64, may have characters, graphics, or colors printedthereon for assisting user's use of the home appliances. Moreover,though the buttons 62 may be formed to be transparent for providingvarious designs, this transparent buttons 62 provide no good look of thecontrol panel assembly, because an inside of the control panel assemblycan be seen through the transparent buttons 62. Therefore, it ispreferable that finishing members are fitted to rear of the transparentbuttons 62 additionally for preventing the inside of the control panelassembly seen through the transparent buttons 62. The finishing membermay have a color, a character, or a graphic printed thereon for displaythrough the transparent button 62.

[0049] In the meantime, though the outside film 60 (i.e., the buttons 62and the indicator windows 64) may be directly connected to, and interactwith, the switches 42 and the indicators 43, it is more preferable thatan intermediate film is provided between the outside film 60 and theswitches 42/the indicators 43 additionally for more stable operation.The intermediate frame 50 connects the outside film 60 to the switches42/the indicators 43 so as to interact with each other.

[0050] In more detail, the intermediate frame 50 has intermediatebuttons 52 for driving the switches 42. As shown, the intermediatebuttons 52 has a body 52 a extended for a length, and a leg 52 b forconnecting the body 52 a to the intermediate frame 50. The body 52 a isactually projected from the intermediate frame 50, with a bottom thereofin contact with the switch 42, and a top thereof positioned in thebutton pass through hole 32 of the control panel 30. The leg 52 b makesthe body 52 a operative resiliently by a force provided to the body 52a. That is, whenever the force is provided to the intermediate buttons52, the leg 52 b is deformed resiliently to press the body 52 a down, toturn on/off the switch 42. When the force is removed, the leg 52 b isrestored, to restore the body 52 a to an original position, too. Asshown, it is preferable that the leg 52 b is a spiral member for havingan appropriate elastic force.

[0051] The intermediate frame 50 also has supporters 54 formed as oneunit. The supporter 54 has an opening 54 a opposite to the indicator 43,and a wall 54 b extended in a vertical direction from a circumference ofthe opening 54 a. That is, as shown the supporter 54 has a form ofchannel, actually. According to this, it is preferable that a bottom ofthe wall 54 b is seated on the substrate 40 for more stable supportingof the indicator 43. Top of the wall 54 b serves to guide a light fromthe indicator 43 to the indicator window 64, together with the opening54 a.

[0052] The intermediate frame 50 has a plurality of fastening parts 56,for fastening the intermediate frame 50 to the substrate 40. Thefastening parts 56 may be fastened by screws.

[0053] As explained, unlike the related art, the present inventionsuggests unitization of the intermediate buttons 52 and the supporters54. According to this, a number of entire components are reduced, andrequired man power is also reduced. Moreover, since the intermediateframe 50 is fastened to the substrate 40 by the fastening parts 56,bottoms of the supporters 54 are supported on the substrate 40, theintermediate frame 50 is supported on the substrate 40 firmly on thewhole. According to this, when the intermediate buttons 52 are presseddown, the switches 42 can be operated exactly, and the supporters 54 canalso guide lights from the indicators 43 to the indicator windows 64,exactly.

[0054] In the meantime, a plurality of the legs 52 b in the intermediateframe 50 may weaken a strength of the intermediate frame 50, such thatan adjacent button may be moved when one of the intermediate buttons 52are pressed. For preventing this, the intermediate frame 50 is providedwith a reinforcing rib 58 between every adjacent intermediate buttons52. Referring to FIG. 3, the reinforcing rib 58 may be formed on a backsurface of the intermediate frame 50, or, though not shown, may beformed on a front surface of the intermediate frame 50. The reinforcingframe 58, seated on the substrate 40, serves to support the intermediateframe 50. The reinforcing rib 58 reinforces strength of the intermediateframe 50. Therefore, when one of the intermediate buttons 52 is pressed,no other intermediate buttons 52 are pressed, thereby preventingmalfunction of the home appliances.

[0055] Though the intermediate frame 50 is divided into two parts inthis embodiment, the intermediate frame 50 may be fabricated as one unitdepending on a design condition.

[0056] A method for fabricating a control panel assembly of the presentinvention will be explained.

[0057] At first, an outside film 60 is prepared such that a user canoperate an home appliance and understand operation state thereof.

[0058]FIG. 4A illustrates a raw film state of an outside film 60. Theraw film is formed of PET (Polyethylene Terephthalata) or PC(Polycarbonate). Graphics or characters are printed on a surface of theraw film for indicating operation states of the home appliances.Particular color is painted on the surface of the outside film 60 on thesame time with the printing of the graphics or characters. For anexample, the surface of the outside film 60 is painted with a color thesame with a color of the top cover or a door part located in thevicinity of the control panel assembly, or may be painted with aparticular color depending on a design of the home appliances.

[0059]FIG. 4B illustrates a state a ground color is painted on a surfaceof the outside film 60, and a graphic or characters are printed thereon.A part the ground color is painted is an area indicated with a dashedline, which is an approx. outline of the outside film 60. In themeantime, the graphic or characters on the outside film 60 is printedtaking deformation in a thermal formation process, a next process, intoaccount. That is, the graphic or characters are printed so as toindicate an intended shape after the outside film 60 is deformed in thethermal formation. For an example, if a final graphic is a circle, thegraphic may be printed in an elliptical form.

[0060] Next, the printed film 60 may be subjected to thermal formation,to obtain a required shape. Referring to FIG. 5A, in this thermalformation step, the printed film 60 is placed in a cavity 73 formed by afirst mold 70 and a second mold. In this instance, edges of the outsidefilm 60 are projected outside of the molds 70 and 72.

[0061] In this state, heat and pressure is applied to the printed film60,. In more detail, the film 60 is heated by a heat coil 74 provided tothe second mold 72. Then, compressed air is blown into the cavity 73through a compressed air injection hole 75, to apply pressure to thefilm 60. As shown in FIG. 5A, as a pressure inside of the cavity 63becomes higher, the heated outside film 60 is come into close contactwith the surface 70′ of the first mold 70.

[0062] Then, the state the heated outside film 60 is in close contactwith the surface 70′ of the first mold 70 is maintained for a presettime period, such that the outside film 60 takes a shape correspondingto the surface 70′, i.e., a preset desired form. The buttons 62projected from a surface of the outside film 60 are formed by thesurface 70′ on the same time as shown in FIG. 4C. Upon finishing theformation, the first mold 70 and the second mold 72 are separated, andthe formed outside film 60 is taken out.

[0063] Then, additionally, the outside film 60 is trimmed to obtain acompleted outside film 60 as shown in FIG. 4D.

[0064] Upon finishing a step of formation of the outside film, resin isinjected so as to be inserted in the outside film 60, to form a controlpanel 30 as a unit with the outside film 60. A series of steps of amethod for forming the control panel 30 will be explained, withreference to FIGS. 6A-6D.

[0065] At first, referring to FIG. 6A, the formed outside film 60 isplaced in the first mold 80 having a recess 80′ in conformity with theoutside film 60. The first mold 80 has extraction holes 81 extended foroutside of the first mold 80 to the recess 80′. By extracting airthrough the extraction holes 81, a vacuum is formed between the recess80′ and the placed film 60, to fix the outside film 60 on the recess 80′firmly accordingly.

[0066] Next, referring to FIG. 6B, a second mold 82 having a formsubstantially in conformity with the recess 80′ in the first mold 80 iscoupled with the first mold 80. This coupling provides a formationcavity 83 between the first mold 80 and the second mold 82. As shown,the second mold 82 has a plurality of projections 85 for forming thebuttons and indicating holes 32 and 34, which are opposite to thebuttons 62 and the indicator windows 64 of the outside film 60 formedbefore, respectively. Moreover, when the first and second molds 80 and82 are coupled, an edge of the outside film 60 is supported on asupporting edge 84 of the second mold 82, so that the outside film 60 isplaced in the recess 80′ of the first mold 80, correctly.

[0067] Then, referring to FIG. 6C, resin 30′ is introduced into theformation cavity 83 between the molds 80 and 82 through the injectionhole 86 for forming a control panel 30. FIG. 6D illustrates a state theresin 30′ is introduced into the formation cavity 83, fully. The resin30′ is not introduced to a part of the formation cavity 83 correspondingto the buttons 62 and the indicator windows 64 of the film 60 owing tothe projections 85 from the second mold. The resin 30′ may be formed oftransparent, or semi-transparent ABS for improvement of an outside look.Moreover, when the resin 30′ has a melting point higher than the outsidefilm 60, the outside film 60 may be deformed when the resin 30′ isinjected into the formation cavity 83. Therefore, it is preferable thatthe resin 30′ has a melting point lower than the outside film 60.

[0068] When a certain time period passed after the resin 30′ isintroduced, the resin 30′ is set to become the control panel 30, whenthe outside film 60 is inserted to the control panel 30 as one unit.

[0069] Upon finishing formation of the control panel 30, the unitizedoutside film 60/the control panel 30 are fitted to the substrate 40. Inthe fitting, the buttons 62 and the indicator window 64 are respectivelydisposed opposite to the switches 42 and the indicators 43, for goodinteraction through the button pass through holes 32 and the indicatingpass through holes 34. That is, when the button 62 is pressed, theswitch 42 is pressed, to put the home appliance into a designatedoperation. The information on operation state indicated by the indicator43 is displayed on the indicator window 64 through the indicating passthrough hole 34.

[0070] If the intermediate frame 50 is employed, the intermediate frame50 is fitted to the substrate 40 before the control panel 30 and thesubstrate 40 are assembled. In more detail, the intermediate buttons 52connect the buttons 62 and the switches 42, and the supporters 54connect the indicator windows 64 and the indicators 43. Accordingly,when the user presses the button 62, a relevant switch 42 is operatedexactly by the intermediate button 52. Also, information on theindicator 43 is transmitted to the indicator window 64 more clearlythrough the supporter 43 and the indicator window 64, that is, theintermediate frame 50 primarily assures operative stability of thecontrol panel assembly.

[0071] The intermediate frame 50 is fastened to the substrate 40 by thefastening parts 56, such that the reinforcing ribs 58 and the supporters54 on the intermediate frame 50 are supported on the substrate 40.Eventually, the firm fastening of the intermediate frame 50 to thesubstrate 40 permits exact operation of the intermediate buttons 52 andthe supporters 43, thereby enhancing an overall operative stability.

[0072] It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made in the control panel assemblyfor home appliances of the present invention without departing from thespirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that the presentinvention cover the modifications and variations of this inventionprovided they come within the scope of the appended claims and theirequivalents.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

[0073] As has been explained, the control panel assembly for homeappliances of the present invention can reduce a number of componentsrelatively, thereby improving workability of an assembly work.

[0074] The unitization of the intermediate buttons and the supporterswith the intermediate frame in fitting to the substrate permits exactguidance of lights of the indicators and exact interaction of theintermediate buttons and the switches, thereby enhancing an operativereliability of the control panel assembly.

[0075] In the meantime, the outside film inserted in a front surface ofthe control panel prevents infiltration of foreign matters into aninside of the control panel effectively, and improves an outside look ofthe control panel assembly, and prevents discoloration of the controlpanel, an injection molded product.

What is claimed is:
 1. A control panel assembly for home appliancescomprising: a substrate for fitting at least one or more switches foroperating home appliance and indicators for indicating operating statesof the home appliance, respectively; an outside film formed such that auser can access to the switches and the indicators; and a control panelinjection-molded so as to be inserted in and unitized with the outsidefilm, and having a substrate fitted to an inside thereof.
 2. A controlpanel assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a water prooflayer on the substrate.
 3. A control panel assembly as claimed in claim2, wherein the water proof layer is formed of urethane.
 4. A controlpanel assembly as claimed in claim 1, further comprising an intermediateframe for connecting the outside film to the switches/indicators suchthat the outside film interacts with the switches/indicators.
 5. Acontrol panel assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein the intermediateframe includes at least one or more intermediate buttons for driving theswitches.
 6. A control panel assembly as claimed in claim 4, wherein theintermediate frame includes at least one or more supporters forsupporting the indicators and guiding indication of the indicators.
 7. Acontrol panel assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein the intermediatebutton includes; a body extending for a certain length, and a leg forconnecting the body to the intermediate frame resiliently.
 8. A controlpanel assembly as claimed in claim 7, wherein the leg is a spiralmember.
 9. A control panel assembly as claimed in claim 6, wherein thesupporter includes; an opening opposite to the indicator, and a wallextended in a vertical direction from a circumference of the opening.10. A control panel assembly as claimed in claim 5, wherein theintermediate frame further includes reinforcing ribs formed betweenadjacent intermediate buttons.
 11. A control panel assembly as claimedin claim 1, wherein the control panel includes button pass through holesopposite to the switches.
 12. A control panel assembly as claimed inclaim 1, wherein the control panel includes indicating pass throughholes opposite to the indicators.
 13. A control panel assembly asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the control panel is formed of a transparentor semi-transparent material.
 14. A control panel assembly as claimed inclaim 13, wherein the control panel is formed of ABS (AcrylonitrileButadiene Styrene).
 15. A control panel assembly as claimed in claim 1,wherein the outside film covers an entire front surface of the controlpanel.
 16. A control panel assembly as claimed in claim 15, wherein theoutside film has a continuous surface without holes for prevention ofwater infiltration into the substrate.
 17. A control panel assembly asclaimed in claim 1, wherein the outside film includes; buttons formedopposite to the switches, and indicator windows opposite to theindicators, wherein the buttons and the indicator windows havecharacters and graphics printed together with a predetermined colors forassisting use by a user.
 18. A control panel assembly as claimed inclaim 17, wherein the button is projected opposite to the switch so thatthe switch is operative as the user presses the button.
 19. A controlpanel assembly as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outside film is formedof PET (Polyethylene Terephthalata), or PC (Polycarbonate).
 20. A methodfor fabricating a control panel assembly for home appliances, comprisingthe steps of: (a) forming an outside film such that a user can put thehome appliance into operation and know an operation state; (b) injectionmolding resin in the outside film, to form the control panel as one unitwith the outside film; and (c) fitting the control panel unitized withthe outside film to a substrate, such that the outside film can interactwith the switches and the buttons fitted on the substrate.
 21. A methodas claimed in claim 20, wherein the step (a) includes the steps of; (aa)printing graphics or characters on a raw film for indicating operationsand operation states, and (ab) forming the printed film to be inconformity with a predetermined outside form by heat.
 22. A method asclaimed in claim 21, wherein the film is formed of PC or PET.
 23. Amethod as claimed in claim 21, wherein the graphics or characters areprinted such that the graphics or characters indicate intended formswhen the graphics or characters are deformed in a thermal formation. 24.A method as claimed in claim 21, wherein the step (ab) includes thesteps of; placing the printed film in a mold having a forming surface ofa required form, applying heat and pressure to the film such that thefilm is brought into close contact with the forming surface, maintaininga pressure in the mold for a time period for forming the film to a formopposite to the forming surface, and separating the formed film from themold.
 25. A method as claimed in claim 24, wherein the film is heated bya heating coil provided to the mold.
 26. A method as claimed in claim24, wherein the film is pressed by injection of compressed air into themold.
 27. A method as claimed in claim 21, further comprising the stepof trimming a formed edge of the film after the step of (ab).
 28. Amethod as claimed in claim 20, wherein the step (b) includes the stepsof; (ba) placing the formed film in a first mold having recessesopposite to a form of a front surface of the formed film, (bb) couplinga second mold opposite to the first mold with the first mold having thefilm placed therein, to form a forming cavity between the first mold andthe second mold, (bc) injecting resin into the forming cavity, and (bd)removing a control panel from the mold, the control panel being formedas the resin is set as one unit with the film.
 29. A method as claimedin claim 28, wherein the film is fixed to the recesses in the first moldby vacuum adsorption.
 30. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein thestep (bb) includes the step of pressing down an edge of the placed filmby using a supporting part on the second mold for stable setting of thefilm.
 31. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein the resin is notinjected to parts corresponding to the buttons and the indicator windowsformed in the film.
 32. A method as claimed in claim 28, wherein theresin is formed of a transparent or semi-transparent material.
 33. Amethod as claimed in claim 32, wherein the resin is ABS.
 34. A method asclaimed in claim 28, wherein the resin has a melting point lower thanthe film.
 35. A method as claimed in claim 20, further comprising thestep of fitting an intermediate frame on the substrate for connectingthe outside film to the switches/the buttons before the step (c).